Ring the bells, the restaurants issue is done! I must say, I think it's going to be a sweet package, and if you want to get all the goods, you should come to our Best Of Party which will be a BASH of food snacking and fun. I have very little brain left after checking and rechecking and squishing and adding and deleting, so this Fresh Forkin' Friday I'm heading to happy hour. Early.

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Online: Taste of Freedom, in case you missed our photo essay about five ethnic restaurateurs who have fought to bring their native cuisine to the Twin Cities. There are some truly amazing stories.

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The JBF has named Wayne Kostroski Humanitarian of the Year! AZ's got some good goods on it.

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Heavy Table is all growed up! Turning one year old on February 17th, the cast and crew are throwing a free party at the Craftsman for loyal fans. Treats from Sweets Bakeshop and sips from Crispin Cider should help make it a festive occasion. 

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Chocolate savant Colin Gasko of Rogue Chocolatier will be at the St. Paul Cheese Shop this Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Kare 11 did a nice story on Colin recently. You can sample his locally made bean-to-bar chocolate and maybe pick some up for your sweetie.

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Here's a cool cause: Dine and Fly to help Haitian orphans. The folks from Stillwater Balloon Co. and the Afton House Inn  have come together to build an orphanage in Haiti, and all you have to do is buy some donated gift cards from participating restaurants like: Famous Dave's, Biella, Ike's, and Jax. Quantities are limited, but more restaurants are added each day, so check back often. Plus there's a gift card for a balloon flight over the St. Croix if you're still wondering about an impressive Valentine's Day gift (with bonus points for good-deed-doing).

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If you're not busy tonight, you should come check out the Pay It Forward Casino Night out Medina Ballroom way. It's a great cause and I'll be manning a BlackJack table, which should be worth a few belly laughs.